GOLD MEDAL TO CAPE SCHOOLS

Cape Girardeau public schools have received a gold medal in Expansion Management Magazine's annual Education Quotient ratings.

Each year the magazine gathers data on about 1,500 school districts nationwide from cities with a population of at least 25,000.

The Education Quotient evaluates school districts in three ways. The graduation outcome index measures how well students learn and how many stay through graduation. The resource index measures a community's financial commitment to education. The community index measures the community's adult education and income levels. Gold medal schools rank in the top 15 percent of the districts evaluated.

The report is mailed to more than 45,000 business owners and directors of companies that have indicated they may expand into new geographic areas.

The ratings provide a way to compare school districts, work forces and potential work forces across the country.

"We are extremely pleased and proud that our local school district performed so well," said Mitch Robinson, executive director of the Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association. "Receiving this sort of national recognition will go a long way toward convincing businesses that they can grow and prosper in our community."

Robinson presented a certificate to the Cape Girardeau Board of Education Monday.

"The district works very closely with the business and industry in our area to provide a quality work force," said Dr. Dan Tallent, superintendent. "We are very proud of the level of achievement our students demonstrate on the college board tests. Our No. 1 goal is to produce graduates who are well prepared to meet the demands of business and industry or higher education."